Something very special and heartwarming is going on this morning at the Wilton High School Field House, to launch the 2017-18 school year. Wilton’s teachers are gathered for the Wilton Public Schools (WPS) Convocation, the annual all-staff kick-off event and the administration has planned something intended to be both a team-building exercise and an incredible way to give back to community members in need.
Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, the Wilton School District was able to purchase 95 unassembled bicycles ranging in size from 10″-26″ and a portion of the tools needed for assembly. Through donations from Home Depot in Danbury and New Milford, as well as Stanley Black and Decker in New Britain, CT, 95 sets of tools will be available to employees.
WPS employees have been grouped into 95 teams and will work together to assemble the bicycles, which, once they’re assembled, will be distributed to four local organizations helping local individuals in need. Superintendent Kevin Smith and his assistant, Lucille DeNovio worked with Wilton Social Services, the Domestic Violence Crisis Center, the Jericho Partnership – Danbury, and Northeast Cycles to donate the bicycles according to need.
The effort, according to Smith, is to start the new school year with a community service activity, reinforcing the district’s commitment to the community via multiple methods and channels. It’s also the gives the gift of giving to the teachers to inspire them and provide a way for them to give back to the community in an uplifting, affirming way through teamwork.
Convocation also included some surprise fun from veteran teachers (and crowd favorites) Brian Ennis and Sal Giamo, who both teach at Miller Driscoll Elementary, as well as an incredible singing performance from Wilton High School sophomore Tyler Blaine.